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Catalent

Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk

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Novo Nordisk unveils a $1.2 billion production facility in Denmark and finalizes Catalent acquisition, with financial and operational impacts ahead.

Ozempic Maker Novo Nordisk Invests Over $1 Billion In New Denmark Production Facility, Closer To Add 3 More From Catalent

Roche

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RHHBY

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Roche reported a 9% increase in third-quarter sales, driven by strong performance from Ocrevus and Vabysmo. Roche also raised concerns over the Catalent acquisition.

Roche&#39;s Q3 Sales Surge Led By Ocrevus, Vabysmo, Urges Regulators To Block Novo Holdings&#39; $16.5B Catalent Acquisition

SRPT

Public interest groups are urging the FTC to block Novo Holdings&#39; $16.5 billion acquisition of Catalent, citing concerns over reduced competition in critical areas like diabetes, obesity treatments, and gene therapy.

After US Senator, Unions Urge Federal Trade Commission To Block Novo&#39;s $16.5B Acquisition Of Catalent

Jim Cramer: questo titolo è un affare da non lasciarsi scappare

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Jim Cramer believes Uranium Energy Corp. is going higher, thanks to a recent acquisition deal. Novo Nordisk faces antitrust concerns while Halliburton gets a Buy rating from BofA Securities.

Jim Cramer: &#39;We Need More Uranium,&#39; Recommends This Stock; Says Novo Nordisk &#39;Doesn&#39;t Hold A Candle&#39; To Big Pharma Rival

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Concerns are rising as Novo Nordisk&#39;s $16.5 billion bid to acquire Catalent faces scrutiny from the FTC. Critics argue the merger could harm competition in the GLP-1 market, potentially driving up prices for obesity and diabetes treatments.

FTC Faces Pressure to Block Novo Nordisk-Catalent Merger Over Antitrust Fears

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Catalent, Inc. (NYSE: CTLT) announced that it has completed the expansion of its clinical supply facility in Schorndorf, Germany. The Schorndorf site, Catalent&#39;s flagship European facility, provides comprehensive clinical supply services, including packaging, storage and distribution.

Catalent Expands Its Facility Capabilities in Germany

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Catalent shares rise after Sarepta Therapeutics&#39; Elevidys expanded approval. Despite uncertainties, Catalent&#39;s risk/reward profile improves.

Sarepta&#39;s Expanded Approval Unlikely To Influence Novo Holdings&#39; Acquisition of Catalent, But Provides Investor Protection Amid Uncertainty

Hedge Funds Photo by Panchenko Vladimir on Shutterstock

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Hedge funds are looking for high-return opportunities beyond the mega-cap tech giants preferring to focus on cyclical sectors and AI.

Hedge Funds Tweak Portfolios In Q1: Marvell, TD Synnex, AES Get More Love As Focus Shifts To AI

Ozempic and other drugs for weight loss

Global

The Danish pharmaceutical company is now shipping more introductory doses of Wegovy to the U.S., as it grapples with supply constraints and competition from Eli Lilly.

Demand Soars For Novo Nordisk&#39;s Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy Despite Supply Constraints And Eli Lilly Competition

Wegovy

BMO&#39;s coverage of Novo Nordisk, spotlighting its groundbreaking advancements in weight loss and diabetes drugs. Analysts foresee Novo and Eli Lilly maintaining dominance in the obesity market, fueled by strong pipelines and promising trial results.

Novo Nordisk&#39;s Dominance In Obesity &amp; Diabetes Drug Market Backed by Strong Pipeline: Analyst Gives Outperform Rating

CATALENT INC OM

Lennox To Replace Catalent In S&P 500, Effective Prior To Opening Of Trading On Monday, December 23

On Monday, Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) announced plans to invest approximately $1.20 billion (8.5 billion Danish kroner) to establish a new production facility in Odense, Denmark.
The investment marks the first time in this century that Novo Nordisk breaks ground in Denmark by establishing a new production site. The new site will <a target="_blank" href="https://www.novonordisk.com/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=915079" rel="noreferrer noopener">feature</a> a finished production facility and warehouse of over 40,000 m2.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42489755/novo-nordisks-ozempic-potentially-linked-to-rare-vision-loss-risk-but-study-concludes-absolute-increase-in-risk-minimal" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novo Nordisk's Ozempic Potentially Linked To Rare Vision Loss Risk, But Absolute Risk Is Low: Study</a>
Designed to be modular and flexible, it will accommodate multiple product types within rare diseases, such as hemophilia. Construction work has commenced and is scheduled to be completed in 2027.
The investment is expected to create 400 permanent jobs upon completion of the facilities. Up to 1,000 external employees will be working on-site during the construction process.
On Friday, Novo Holdings announced it had <a target="_blank" href="https://www.novonordisk.com/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=915078" rel="noreferrer noopener">fulfilled</a> all regulatory requirements to finalize its acquisition of Catalent Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTLT#NYSE">CTLT</a>).
The closure comes amid a coalition of unions, consumer groups, and public interest organizations voicing strong opposition to&nbsp;Novo Holdings'&nbsp;proposed&nbsp;$16.5 billion <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41409503/after-us-senator-unions-urge-federal-trade-commission-to-block-novos-16-5b-acquisition-of-catalen" rel="noreferrer noopener">acquisition&nbsp;of&nbsp;Catalent</a>.
Last week, the European Commission <a target="_blank" href="https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=915074" rel="noreferrer noopener">approved</a> Novo Holdings' acquisition of Catalent and Novo Nordisk's subsequent acquisition of three manufacturing sites from Novo Holdings.
The deal for the three sites is expected to close in the coming days. Once completed, the acquisition will affect Novo Nordisk's financial outlook, including:
2024 Impact: A slight negative effect on operating profit growth and a reduction in free cash flow by $11.7 billion, the acquisition's cost. The ongoing 20 billion Danish krone share buyback program remains unaffected.
2025 Impact: Operating profit growth is projected to face a moderate negative impact, with interest payments from debt financing affecting net financial items. Novo Nordisk does not plan to launch a share buyback program in 2025.
Price Action: At last check on Monday, NVO stock was up 0.93% at $107.94 during the premarket session.
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Photo via Shutterstock

EU Regulators Say Novo Holdings Secures Unconditional EU Antitrust Approval For $16.5B Catalent Deal

EU Antitrust Regulators Expected to Approve Novo Holdings' $16.5B Acquisition of Catalent Without Conditions

Catalent (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTLT#NYSE">CTLT</a>) reported quarterly losses of $(0.13) per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $0.05 by 360 percent. This is unchanged from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $1.02 billion which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $1.06 billion by 3.33 percent. This is a 4.18 percent increase over sales of $982.00 million the same period last year.

Catalent Q1 2025 Adj EPS $(0.13) May Not Be Comparable To $0.05 Estimate, Sales $1.02B Miss $1.06B Estimate

On Wednesday, Roche Holdings AG (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RHHBY#OTC">RHHBY</a>)&nbsp;released its&nbsp;third-quarter sales report. Sales increased 9% year over year to 15.14 billion Swiss francs (~$17.5 billion).
The company&#8217;s pharmaceuticals division reported sales of 11.62 billion Swiss francs.
Roche&#8217;s top-performing asset was the multiple sclerosis drug Ocrevus; sales increased 11% to 1.69 billion Swiss francs.
Sales of Vabysmo, an age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treatment, <a target="_blank" href="https://assets.roche.com/f/176343/x/ad8d248346/appendix-tables-q3-2024.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">surged</a> 59% year over year to 1.02 billion Swiss francs.
Roche <a target="_blank" href="https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2024-10-23" rel="noreferrer noopener">reiterated</a> its business outlook, with the growth of around mid-single digits in group sales and the high-single-digit range for core earnings-per-share.
The European drugmaker <a target="_blank" href="https://assets.roche.com/f/176343/x/03b85564df/irp231024-a.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">axed</a> a mid-stage chronic cough program, RG6341.
Roche also axed a Phase 3 trial for divarasib in the second-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and started a separate Phase 3 trial in NSCLC.
The company also removed Phase 2 trials for RG6416 (bepranemab) for Alzheimer&#8217;s, RG6139 tobemstomig monotherapy + combos for solid tumors, and RG7854/ RG6346/ RG6084 ruzotolimod/xalnesiran/PDL1 LNA for HBV infection.
Reuters noted that Roche is urging regulatory authorities to block Novo Holdings&#8217; proposed $16.5 billion acquisition of CDMO giant Catalent Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTLT#NYSE">CTLT</a>), arguing that the deal would have wide-ranging negative effects on the industry.
Novo Holdings is the controlling shareholder of&nbsp;Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>).
Last week, a coalition of unions, consumer groups, and public interest organizations wrote a letter to Lina Khan, Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), voicing strong opposition to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41409503/after-us-senator-unions-urge-federal-trade-commission-to-block-novos-16-5b-acquisition-of-catalen" rel="noreferrer noopener">acquisition of Catalent</a>.
In the lawsuit, the coalition <a target="_blank" href="https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/legaldocs/byvrmlxkzpe/Consumer%20and%20Union%20Letter%20on%20Novo%20Catalent-10.17.24.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">contended</a> that although Novo and Eli Lilly are currently the only two competitors in the GLP-1 market, several other pharmaceutical and biotech companies—such as Viking Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), Structure Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPCR#NASDAQ">GPCR</a>), Amgen Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), Sun Pharma, Pfizer Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), Roche, and AstraZeneca Plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>)—have GLP-1 therapies in development.
These companies will require a CDMO partner to support the launch of their products in the coming years. Catalent is currently the only CDMO with significant experience collaborating with GLP-1 manufacturers.
Roche told Reuters that it is not directly impacted.
Reuters, citing Roche&#8217;s CEO Thomas Schinecker during a media call, highlights that limiting competition in this field would not be wise.
It adds that regulators could be making a mistake from an industry perspective. Schinecker elaborated in an analyst call that if companies start acquiring contract manufacturing organizations, market competition could decline.
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Roche's Q3 Sales Surge Led By Ocrevus, Vabysmo, Urges Regulators To Block Novo Holdings' $16.5B Catalent Acquisition

Catalent, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTLT#NYSE">CTLT</a>), the leader in enabling the development and supply of better treatments for patients worldwide, today issued the following open letter to customers:
To Catalent's Valued Customers,
I want to correct a few key inaccuracies that have been reported in the press regarding Novo Holdings' pending acquisition of Catalent and reiterate that we are, and will continue to be, driven by our mission to develop, manufacture and supply products that help people live better and healthier lives.
Novo Holdings is a global life science investment firm that is focused on creating long-term sustainable value. Following the closing of our transaction, as a private company under Novo Holdings' ownership, Catalent will continue to operate as a leading global, independent, full-service CDMO. Catalent's remaining network of nearly 50 global sites will continue to:
<ul>
<li>Provide you the latest technology and capabilities, deep experience, scalable capacity, proven regulatory expertise, and commitment to excellence;</li>
<li>Partner closely with you to successfully bring your products through development and clinical trials, and reliably supply your needs for commercial product launch and beyond;</li>
<li>Offer fill and finish services for sterile products for large and small molecules, including gene and cell therapies – areas in which we continue to invest and expand; and</li>
<li>Work with you to expand patient access to much needed treatments and cures.</li>
</ul>
I am also excited to announce I will continue to lead Catalent as President and CEO following the transaction close. A key factor in my decision to continue in my role is Novo Holdings' commitment to provide support and capital to ensure unparalleled service to our customers and create new jobs as we drive Catalent's growth. I look forward to partnering with all of our employees and Novo Holdings in this next chapter.
Since the announcement of this pending acquisition, all of us at Catalent have remained focused on ensuring that a reliable and high-quality supply of products is available for the patients that need them. As a result, Catalent has continued to experience strong levels of new business wins across our offerings, and we are honored by the confidence you place in us and greatly appreciate your loyalty.
I want to be clear: our commitments to you will not change, your products will remain our focus and your proprietary information will be protected.
Looking forward, our Patient First operating principle will remain central to how we work, engaging our employees and aligning them with your missions. This is our commitment to you and the patients you serve.
Sincerely,
Alessandro Maselli President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalent
Catalent's acquisition by Novo Holdings is expected to close towards the end of calendar year 2024, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals. The transaction is not subject to any financing contingency. For additional information, please visit transaction.catalent.com.

Management

Catalent's CEO Confirms Leadership Continuity As Novo Holdings Acquisition Nears

A coalition of unions, consumer groups, and public interest organizations has written to Lina Khan, Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), voicing strong opposition to Novo Holdings&#8217; proposed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/36986742/catalents-bloomington-plant-making-novo-nordisks-obesity-drug-faces-fda-scrutiny-regarding-drug-manu" rel="noreferrer noopener">$16.5 billion acquisition</a> of Catalent Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTLT#NYSE">CTLT</a>).
The groups <a target="_blank" href="https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/legaldocs/byvrmlxkzpe/Consumer%20and%20Union%20Letter%20on%20Novo%20Catalent-10.17.24.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">argue</a> that the deal, which would unite the Danish pharmaceutical giant and dominant player in GLP-1 drug development, Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), with Catalent, a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), could harm competition in critical areas such as diabetes, obesity treatments, and gene therapies.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41296978/novo-nordisk-eli-lilly-could-face-downward-pressure-despite-market-dominance-from-p" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly Could Face Downward Pressure Despite Market Dominance From Potentially 16 New Obesity Drugs: See The Names</a>.
The letter outlines concerns that the acquisition could lead to &#8220;vertical foreclosure,&#8221; limiting access for Novo&#8217;s current and future rivals in GLP-1 drugs and gene therapies.
Catalent, with its 50 global facilities, has been an industry leader in manufacturing GLP-1 drugs, including Novo&#8217;s own Ozempic and Wegovy.
Since 2017, Catalent has been one of the few CDMOs capable of providing the specialized fill-finish development and manufacturing services essential for GLP-1 therapies.
By acquiring Catalent, Novo would have the power and incentive to restrict other pharmaceutical companies from accessing these vital services, potentially diminishing competition in this critical drug category.
The letter also highlights Catalent&#8217;s significance in gene therapy manufacturing, particularly in producing treatments like Sarepta Therapeutics Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SRPT#NASDAQ">SRPT</a>) Elevidys and Novartis AG&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>) Zolgensma.
Many of Catalent&#8217;s facilities focus on cell and gene therapies, and the coalition believes that Novo&#8217;s acquisition could disrupt the production and development of these treatments.
In summary, the coalition argues that keeping Catalent independent is vital for fostering innovation and maintaining competition in the pharmaceutical industry.
An independent Catalent would support future competitors to Novo in both GLP-1 drugs and gene therapies, ensuring that patients continue to have access to life-saving treatments without market limitations driven by consolidation.
Last week, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote a letter to FTC&#8217;s Lina Khan, urging her to investigate the deal&nbsp;thoroughly, amid growing concerns about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41277809/ftc-faces-pressure-to-block-novo-nordisk-catalent-merger-over-antitrust-fears" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential antitrust violations</a>.
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Photo via Shutterstock

After US Senator, Unions Urge Federal Trade Commission To Block Novo's $16.5B Acquisition Of Catalent

On CNBC's &#8220;Mad Money Lightning Round,&#8221; Jim Cramer said Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UEC#NYSE">UEC</a>) is going higher. &#8220;UEC's the real deal…We need more uranium. I think it's a great <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40983348/uranium-energy-strikes-175m-deal-to-acquire-rio-tintos-wyoming-assets">situation,&#8221; he added.</a>
On Sept. 23, Uranium Energy disclosed a deal to fully acquire Rio Tinto Plc‘s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIO#NYSE">RIO</a>) Wyoming assets for a purchase price of $175 million. As per the deal, the buyout includes the fully licensed Sweetwater Plant and a portfolio of uranium mining projects with around 175 million pounds of historic resources.
When asked about Novo Nordisk (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), he said, &#8220;Doesn't hold a candle to Eli Lilly (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>).&#8221;
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), last week, wrote a letter to the Federal Trade Commission's chair, Lina Khan, urging the department to investigate Novo Nordisk&#8217;s proposed $16.5 billion acquisition of contract development and manufacturing organization Catalent Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTLT#NYSE">CTLT</a>) thoroughly, amid growing concerns about potential antitrust violations. Critics argue that this merger could increase Novo Nordisk's control over producing vital GLP-1 receptor agonists, drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity. This could potentially drive up <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41277809/ftc-faces-pressure-to-block-novo-nordisk-catalent-merger-over-antitrust-fears">prices and limit competition</a>.
Cramer recommended staying away from Halliburton (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAL#NYSE">HAL</a>).
On Monday, BofA Securities analyst Chase Mulvehill maintained Halliburton with a Buy rating and lowered the price target from $40 to $38.
Price Action:
<ul>
<li>Novo Nordisk shares fell 0.2% to settle at $119.78 on Monday.</li>
<li>Uranium Energy shares gained 0.7% to close at $7.14.</li>
<li>Halliburton shares fell 0.8% to close at $30.58 on Monday.</li>
</ul>
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Photo: Shutterstock

Jim Cramer: 'We Need More Uranium,' Recommends This Stock; Says Novo Nordisk 'Doesn't Hold A Candle' To Big Pharma Rival

Asset Sales

Catalent Agrees To Sell Its Oral Solids Development And Small-Scale Manufacturing Facility In Somerset, NJ; Financial Details Not Disclosed

United States Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote a letter to the Federal Trade Commission&#8217;s chair, Lina Khan, urging to investigate Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) proposed $16.5 billion acquisition of contract development and manufacturing organization Catalent Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTLT#NYSE">CTLT</a>) thoroughly, amid growing concerns about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/02/36931734/ozempic-maker-strikes-11b-deal-with-catalent-as-it-rushes-to-meet-massive-weight-loss-drug-demand" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential antitrust violations</a>.
Critics argue that this merger could increase Novo Nordisk&#8217;s control over producing vital GLP-1 receptor agonists, drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity. This could potentially drive up prices and limit competition.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41184148/novo-nordiskastrazenecas-manufacturing-partner-thermo-fisher-questioned-over-manufacturing-lapses" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novo Nordisk/AstraZeneca&#8217;s Manufacturing Partner Thermo Fisher Questioned Over Manufacturing Lapses</a>.
Novo Nordisk already has a dominant 55% share of the booming GLP-1 market due to the success of its blockbuster drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy.
Catalent plays a key role in filling and packaging Novo Nordisk&#8217;s GLP-1 products, but it also works with Eli Lilly And Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), Novo Nordisk&#8217;s main competitor in the GLP-1 market, primarily through its tirzepatide-based drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound.
The concern is that if Novo Nordisk acquires Catalent, it could gain unprecedented access to Eli Lilly&#8217;s production capacity, potentially allowing it to prioritize its drugs over its competitors.
The letter <a target="_blank" href="https://www.warren.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/catalent1.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">highlights</a> that Novo Nordisk has faced scrutiny from the FTC. Earlier this year, the FTC warned Novo Nordisk for improperly listing patents related to its diabetes drugs in the FDA&#8217;s Orange Book.
This behavior, combined with the company&#8217;s current plans to acquire Catalent, raises concerns about Novo Nordisk&#8217;s ability to further hinder competition.
Over recent decades, the consolidation of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry has led to fewer dominant firms and higher drug prices. From 1995 to 2015, major pharmaceutical companies dropped from 60 to just 10, as large corporations increasingly controlled healthcare services, from insurance to pharmacies.
Novo Nordisk&#8217;s proposed acquisition of Catalent is considered part of this broader trend of vertical integration.
While Novo Nordisk claims it prioritizes patient access to diabetes medications, critics argue its actions suggest otherwise. The company recently discontinued Levemir, a long-acting insulin, the only option approved for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/07/39801282/senate-to-review-novo-nordisks-levemir-insulin-discontinuation" rel="noreferrer noopener">use during pregnancy</a>.
Although Novo Nordisk cited unfavorable formulary placement as the reason, the decision is seen as a way to reallocate production resources to its more profitable GLP-1 drugs.
Price Action: At last check Thursday, NVO stock was up 0.46% at $117.54, and CTLT stock was down 0.53% at $60.64.
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<a href="https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2024/10/10/novo-eli-lilly-obesity-weight-diabetes-warren-ftc-antitrust/">https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2024/10/10/novo-eli-lilly-obesity-weight-diabetes-warren-ftc-antitrust/</a>
&nbsp;
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has asked the Federal Trade Commission "closely scrutinize" a <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2024/02/05/novo-holdings-catalent-wegovy/#:~:text=LONDON%20%E2%80%94%20The%20investment%20arm,booming%20obesity%20and%20diabetes%20drugs.">$16.5 billion deal</a> in which Novo Nordisk's&nbsp;parent foundation would acquire Catalent, a leading contract drug manufacturer, over concerns the acquisition would give the pharmaceutical company an unfair advantage in the burgeoning market for drugs used to treat obesity and diabetes.
In <a href="https://www.warren.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/catalent1.pdf">a letter dated Wednesday</a>, Warren noted that Catalent fills and packages syringes and injection pens for Novo Nordisk and other drug manufacturers, including its biggest rival, Eli Lilly, which sells competing medications and also contracts with Catalent to fill and package its drugs. She noted that Eli Lilly has described Catalent as an "integral" player in its manufacturing of diabetes and obesity drugs.
"I am concerned that Novo Nordisk's merger with Catalent will give Novo Nordisk unprecedented visibility into and control over its competitor's production capacity, costs, and business practices, and the ability to preference its own products and obstruct its competitors' use of Catalent to produce" the drugs, she wrote. The drugs belong to a class of medicines known as GLP-1s.

'Warren urges FTC to probe deal that would give Novo Nordisk control of some Catalent plants; At issue is whether the deal would give Novo an unfair advantage in the market for obesity, diabetes drugs' - STAT News

Baird analyst Eric Coldwell downgrades Catalent (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTLT#NYSE">CTLT</a>) from Outperform to Neutral and maintains the price target from $63.5 to $63.5.

Downgrades

Baird Downgrades Catalent to Neutral, Maintains Price Target to $63.5

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Guidance

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Catalent, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ctlt#NYSE">CTLT</a>) announced that it has completed the expansion of its clinical supply facility in Schorndorf, Germany. The Schorndorf site, Catalent&#39;s flagship European facility, provides comprehensive clinical supply services, including packaging, storage and distribution.
The latest expansion of the clinical supply facility is expected to solidify Catalent&#39;s foothold in the growing clinical trials space and expand its Clinical Development &amp; Supply network worldwide.
<h3>Significance of the Latest Expansion</h3>
The expansion increases the site&#39;s footprint, thereby adding storage and handling of clinical trial supply materials at controlled room temperatures. It also creates space in the original building to accommodate the installation of a new, fully automatic bottle-filling line, along with a dedicated area for Catalent&#39;s FastChain demand-led supply service. These added capabilities are expected to support a continued high level of service to Catalent&#39;s pharma and biotech customers and the patients they serve.
The company&#39;s FastChain service is a continuous Good Manufacturing Practices approach that decouples primary from secondary packaging to enable timely and cost-effective adaptation and regional supply of clinical materials on demand.
Per management, the Schorndorf site is crucial for the company&#39;s ability to meet customer demand for clinical packaging solutions, including temperature-controlled services. Management also believes that the additional capacity to the site for temperature-controlled storage and Catalent&#39;s FastChain service will likely meet the current and future needs of its customers.
<h3>Industry Prospects</h3>
Per a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global clinical trial supplies market is anticipated to reach $6.3 billion by 2028 from $3.9 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 9.9%. Factors like the rising research and development expenditure in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies and the increasing number of clinical trials worldwide are likely to drive the market.
Given the market potential, the latest site expansion will likely provide a significant impetus to Catalent in the clinical trials space in the European region.
<h3>Notable Developments</h3>
In May, Catalent announced that its stockholders had approved the pending transaction under which Novo Holdings A/S (Novo Holdings) will acquire all outstanding shares of the company. The acquisition of the company by Novo Holdings was initially announced in February.
The same month, Catalent reported its third-quarter fiscal 2024 results, wherein it recorded a year-over-year improvement in its overall top-line and bottom-line results. The company also saw a revenue uptick in the Pharma and Consumer Health segment during the reported quarter. A continued momentum in both the Biologics and PCH segments, which drove an increase in consolidated sequential revenues and adjusted EBITDA margin for the second consecutive quarter, was also witnessed.
<h3>Price Performance</h3>
Shares of Catalent have gained 24.8% in the past year against the industry&#39;s 2.2% decline. The S&amp;P 500 has witnessed 23.8% growth in the said time frame.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/e8/71517.jpg?v=83468157" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h3>Zacks Rank &amp; Stocks to Consider</h3>
Currently, Catalent carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
Some better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are Globus Medical, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gmed#NYSE">GMED</a>), Stryker Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/syk#NYSE">SYK</a>) and Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/elv#NYSE">ELV</a>).
Globus Medical, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present, has an estimated long-term growth rate of 12.7%. GMED&#39;s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 10.8%.
Globus Medical&#39;s shares have gained 17.3% against the industry&#39;s 1.3% decline in the past year.
Stryker, carrying a Zacks Rank of 2 at present, has an estimated long-term growth rate of 10.6%. SYK&#39;s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average being 4.9%.
Stryker has gained 11.3% against the industry&#39;s 2.1% decline in the past year.
Elevance Health, carrying a Zacks Rank of 2 at present, has an estimated long-term growth rate of 12.2%. ELV&#39;s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 2.8%.
Elevance Health&#39;s shares have rallied 25.1% compared with the industry&#39;s 5.4% rise in the past year.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2302860/catalent-ctlt-expands-its-facility-capabilities-in-germany?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|company_news_medical_sector-2302860">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

The expansion increases the site&#39;s footprint by 32,000 square feet (3,000 square meters), adding storage and handling of clinical trial supply materials at controlled room temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. It also creates space in the original building to accommodate the installation of a new, fully automatic bottle filling line, as well as a dedicated area for Catalent&#39;s FastChain&reg;&nbsp;demand-led supply service. These added capabilities will support a continued high level of service to Catalent&#39;s pharma and biotech customers and the patients they serve.

Catalent Completes $25M Upgrade To Schorndorf Site, Featuring Expanded Storage And New FastChain Area

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Press Releases

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Catalent and Novo Holdings Fulfill All Regulatory Closing Conditions for Pending Transaction

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Daniel GoldmanHouse (D-NY)	$1K - $15K	stock	Purchase	Apr 17, 2023	Mar 07, 2023	House
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